acropolis

Hello Everyone!

My wife's 2013 ES350 is in need of new tires. The car has just over 37,000 miles and is still on the stock 225/45-18 Turanzas. These tires were fine when new but have gotten quite loud over the past 10-12k miles or so. And recently wet traction is beginning to suffer. Tread depth is at 3/32", so it's almost time anyways. I realize there are tons of "which tire" threads, but please hear me out first. We live in Houston and get torrential downpours and popup spring showers that will dump 1-3" in just a couple of hours. So we go from dry pavement straight to hydroplaning situations at a moment's notice. Because of this, my priorities are wet handling/hydroplaning resistance first and a quiet ride second. Summer tires are advertised as having better wet traction than an all-season tire but worse tread life due to the softer compounds used. So my question is which is better for warmer climate: a summer tire or an all-season tire? Does it really make a difference?

Mike728

You are the first person I've heard that was ever happy with the stock Bridgestones.

If I were you, I would not go with a summer tire on the ES. They make very good all-seasons that handle very well in wet conditions. There are several posts regarding Michelin vs. Pirelli P7's. It seems the P7's have taken a hit in ratings on Tire Rack as of late. I would consider the Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06, if I were buying now. I had a similar DWS on my last car and they were great. Let us know what you decide on.

roninlexus

I have had both the Michelin and Conti DWS. Excellent tires and have out performed the stock tires on anything I have had. My ES has brand new but low budget tires on it now (Thanks to the Infinity dealer). Hopefully by fall I'll get the Michelin's (Defender was great but has since been replaced) or DWS. I'm in Colorado so there are a few days each year where good traction is paramount.

Poppa

Hello Acropolis.. I too have a 2013 Lexus and just recently had to replace my tires... btw, my 2007 Avalon and my 2013 Lexus both came with the Turanza's and I absolutely hated them... they didn't ride very well from day one and as they did get some miles on them they did get pretty loud... I live in the south so climate wise we're not that much different.. when I replaced my tires last year I went with Pirelli's Cinturato P7 All Season Plus... 225/45R18 95V I have always been a michelin guy but this time based on reviews I tried the Perellis and I am very very happy with them.. Ride is smooth and quiet and grips the road even in rain... If I had to replace them tomorrow I would buy another set pf Perelli's for my Lexus.... Hope this helps... oh, if you should consider the Perelli's, make sure you are looking at the tire that says " PLUS " on them.... there is another Perelli Cinturato tire out there but it's not the same tire as the one that says " plus ". You can check them out at Tire Rack for around 700 for a set of four... that doesn't include shipping and having someone install them... However you can avoid the shipping fee if you buy thru tirerack and if you live close to one of their facilities... you can just pick them up with no shipping charge.. Good luck.

Gekko

Check out the Michelin Premier A/S -

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/08/tests-reveal-the-michelin-premier-as-tire-that-doesn-t-give-up-grip-as-it-wears/index.htm

615tpc

I installed Michelin MXM4 XL tires within weeks of ownership. Instant improvement in cornering and high speed body roll due to XL.

Freds430

They do not make the Michelin Premier in the 18 inch only the 17. The Continental mentioned is #2 but comes with a 20,000 less mile warranty than the Pirelli. You should notice a big difference in your new ride.

#1 https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...r=#testResults

Your original tire #21 out of 21.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...0&autoModClar=

acropolis

Thanks for all of the input! I did some more searching and reading after I posted and found that indeed the Cinturato All Season Plus will meet our needs quite well. My local Sam's Club has them for an installed price of $840, so I will probably go that route.

Thanks again for the input, suggestions, and advice! Lots of good info and good folks here.

Mike728

And they cost considerably more!

Poppa

I think you'll be very happy with the Cinturato's.... Just remember with 18" rims your ride will not be quite as smooth as on 17's... I've got 18's and I tell you, the ride and comfort difference with the Perelli's is sooooo much better than the Bridgestone Turanza's...